The Jasper Republicans have announced the date of their annual fundraiser. The third annual Jasper County Republican Trap Shoot & Tailgating Event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Jasper County Gun Club, 624 W. 28th St. S. in Newton.
Gov. Terry Branstad participated in the event in 2014, and is expected to return again this year. Other elected officials representing Jasper County have also been invited, including Rep. Greg Heartsill, who has indicated he will return to shoot for a third straight year.
“This is typically our only yearly fundraiser,” Jasper Republican Chairman Thad Nearmyer said. “People ask me about it everywhere I go — our local party is known for this event in all corners of the state and thats pretty impressive.”
Hosting an annual trap shoot was an idea first pitched in 2013, by then-chairman Marshall Critchfield.
“Nearly every county central committee in Iowa holds a picnic to raise money and grow their membership,” Critchfield said. “We wanted to change it up — so we took a chance and it worked out.”
The event’s home is the Jasper County Gun Club, just west of Newton. The shotgun-only facility is usually only open Saturday mornings.
The cost to attend the Republican event is $10, which includes lunch. Shooters in the tournament pay an entry fee of $50 which includes 50 clay targets, lunch, and an event T-shirt. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place. Honorable mention awards have also been issued in previous years.
“We try to keep the participation costs low,” Nearmyer said. “Most of the money raised comes from our generous sponsors so we really encourage our members and guests to support these local businesses.”
Last year the group raised approximately $5,000 from the event and expect that number to jump up slightly this year. The local republicans meet once a month and currently have an office open in downtown Newton at 207 First Ave. W. You can also find them on Facebook at Jasper County Iowa GOP.
For information on participating, volunteering or sponsoring the event contact Ben Miller at 641-691-8115 or btmiller91@gmail.com.